MAGNITUDE OF WASTING AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG CHILDREN AGED 6-23 MONTHS IN HARGEISA, WESTERN SOMALILAND

Abstract

Wasting reflects a recent onset of nutritional deficiency related to insufficient food intake or malabsorption of nutrients which in results weight loss. However, regarding the magnitude of wasting and associated factors among children in weaning age (6-23 months) in Somaliland is not well investigated. The study was conducted in Hargeisa, western Somaliland, from September 14 to September 29, 2020. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the magnitude of wasting and associated factors among infants and young children aged 6-23 months in health facilities in Hargeisa, Western of Somaliland. Methods and materials: Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 mothers with their infants/young children pairs. A pretested and structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data. Weight for length was measured to assess the nutritional status. Trained data collectors weighed the subjects on a calibrated portable hanging spring scale and recorded the value to the nearest 0.1kg; length was measured to the nearest 0.1 centimeters using board placed flat on the surface with infants in recumbent position, knee flat and toes pointing upward in movable wooden base and headpiece, the nutritional indices data were calculated using WHO Anthro software; statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21 software was used for data analysis. The Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the association between each independent variable and the dependent variables. Odd Ratios along with 95% confidence level were estimated to identify factors associated with the outcome variable using multivariable logistic regression and the level of statistical significance was declared at p-value less than 0.05. Result: The overall magnitude of wasting in this study was found to be 13.5%, [95% CI :( 10%, 19%)]. Moderate wasting was accounted 34 (8.0 %) while severe wasting was 5.5 %. Being boy [(AOR=2.03, 95% CI :( 1.03, 4.01)]. Children from mothers with no formal education [(AOR=3.25, 95% CI :( 1.07, 8.01)], availability of latrine in household [AOR= 0.41, 95% CI: (0.18, 0.93)]. Children who were living in a household with food secure status [AOR=0.38, 95% CI :( 0.15, 0.97)]. Having diarrhea illness [AOR=2.8, 95% CI :( 1.11, 7.16)] were significantly associated with child wasting Conclusion: The findings in this study showed high magnitude of wasting among infants and young children (6-23 months) in the study setting. Thus, efforts should be made to increasing the awareness on diversified nutritious foods, household food security, and the maintenance of home hygiene and sanitation practices.